Builder motion



July 3, 1962 A. B. HUGHES ETAL 3,042,325

BUILDER MOTION Filed Sept. 29, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I

INVENTORS ALLAN B. HUGHES SHERMAN A. ROGERS BY W Q A ATTORNEY July 3,1962 A. B. HUGHES ET AL 3,042,325

BUILDER MOTION Filed Sept. 29, 1960 2 Sheets-*Sheet 2 WWW FI6. 5a

INVENTORS ALLAN B. HUGHES SHERMAN A. ROGERS ATTORNEY States 3,942,325Fatented July 3, 1982 3,042,325 BUILDER MOTION Allan B. Hughes,Wilmington, Del., and Sherman A.

Rogers, Landenberg, Pa., assignors to E. I. du Pont de Nemours andCompany, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 29,1960, Ser. No. 59,344 3 Claims. (Cl. 242-26.3)

This invention relates to novel yarn packages and to improved apparatusfor winding such packages. More particularly, the invention relates toan improvement in the builder motion of ring twisters.

Various types of apparatus are utilized for winding double-tapered yarnpackages. In one type of apparatus, the package is formed bysuperimposing two motions on the guide which directs the yarn onto thebobbin. An upand-down traversing or chasing motion and a slow,progressive feed or lift for building the package have been used. Inother apparatus, both the traversing mechanism as well as the spindleare moved. A builder motion has also been superimposed on the traversestroke in another type of apparatus. In each type, the length of thestroke remains constant. -As a result, the tension on the yarn along theyarn package, particularly at the tapered portions, tends to vary,causing difficulty in unwinding in knitting and weaving operations.

The most important objection of this invention is the provision of animproved apparatus for winding yarn packages. A further object of thisinvention is the provision of a differential wind downtwister which isof simple construction and may be readily adapted to wind a variety oftypes of yarn packages. A still further object of this invention is theprovision of an adjustable radius arm for use in yarn winding apparatus,the length of which is changed incrementally while winding the yarn on apackage.

In accordance with this invention there is provided apparatus forwinding yarn onto packages comprising a primary cam which imparts aconstant reciprocating primary motion to a yarn guide rail, and anadjustable radius arm in the linkage between the primary cam and theyarn guide r-ail which provides incremental changes in the length ofstroke of the guide rail while the yarn is being wound onto the package.

By utilizing the apparatus of this invention, the yarn is distributedalong the length of the package core without laying consecutive windingsprecisely on top of each other from one stroke to the next.

Further details of the apparatus of this invention will become moreapparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic arrangement of the apparatus of thisinvention;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of the adjustable radius arm of the apparatus;

FIGURE 3 is a partial sectional view of the adjustable radius arm takenalong the lines 3--3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an illustration of one type of double-tapered yarn packageprepared by using the apparatus of this invention;

FIGURE 4a illustrates the cyclic fashion in which the guide rail strokesare diminished in preparing the package of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 5 illustrates another type of double-tapered yarn packageprepared by using the apparatus of this invention; and

FIGURE 5a illustrates the cyclic fashion in which the guide rail strokesare diminished in preparing the package of FIGURE 5.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a yarn 11 is passed from a source, not shown,through a pigtail guide .12 positioned on support 13. The yarn isthreaded through a traveler 14 on a spinning ring .15 set in ring holder16 which is mounted on guide rail 17. A plurality of spinning positionsare normally carried by guide rail 17.

The yarn 1 1 is taken up on a rotating bobbin 18 which is positioned ona rotatable spindle, not shown. A vertical reciprocating builder motionis imparted to guide rail 17 through lifter rod 19. The motion of guiderail 17 determines the shape of the yarn package 20.

In the apparatus of the present invention, the vertical reciprocatingmotion is imparted to guide rail '17 as follows: Oscillatory motion isimparted to chain 21 by arm 22 which is caused to pivot about itssupport 23 by the movement of heart-shaped primary cam 24 against camfollower 25. The cam 24 is driven at a constant speed through shaft 26by means not shown. Chain 21 passes over pulley 27 and is adjustablyattached to follower plate 28 which forms a part of an adjustable radiusarm which is further illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the adjustable radius arm includestwo arm members 29 and 36 which are positioned in side-by-siderelationship on cross shaft 31. Arm member 29 is mounted for rotation onshaft 31 through bearing 32 and is provided with an elongated cam slot33. Arm member 30, which is provided with a cavity 34 for receivingfollower plate 28, has two elongated arcuate cam slots 35 and 35.Mounted on follower plate 28 are two sets of cam rollers 36 and 36 and37- 37', respectively, which are rotatably mounted on shafts 38 and 39,and a single cam roller 36" rotatably mounted on shaft 38, and ride incam slots 35, 35, and 33, respectively. In this manner the followerplate and cam rollers provide a movable coupling between arm members 29and 30. Arm members 29 and 30 are normally locked together through teeth40 on worm gear 41, engaging the teeth of segment gear 42, and rotate asa unit with cross shaft 31.

When the arm members 29 and 3d are rotated as a unit, oscillation ofchain 21 imparts a rotary motion to cross shaft 31 which is supported inbearing blocks 43 and 44. The rotation of cross shaft 31 transmits anoscillatory motion to lever 45 which acts through roller 46 and plate 47to raise and lower lifter rod 19 and guide rail 17. The length of thestroke of guide rail -17 is dependent on the amount of rotation impartedto cross shaft 31 by the oscillatory motion of chain 21 acting throughthe adjustable radius arm.

From FIG. 1 it can be seen that the amount of rotation of cross shaft 31can be increased or decreased by varying the distance between the crossshaft 31 and follower plate 28 to which chain 21 is attached. In FIG. 1,the position of follower plate 28 and arm members 29 and 30 is such thatthe effective length of the radius arm is approximately half the maximumlength which can be attained. Referring to FIG. 2, the position offollower plate 28 is at its uppermost location and thus the effectivelength of the radius arm is at a maximum. At this point the effectivestroke of the guide rail is at a minimum.

In the apparatus of this invention the distance between the followerplate 28 and the cross shaft 31 is varied incrementally by a steppingdevice which is operatively connected to arms 29 and 30. The steppingdevice includes worm gear 41 which is attached to arm member 30 andsegment gear 42 which is fixedly attached to arm member 29 by means oflug bolts 48. As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 2, rotary motion isimparted to worm gear 41 through gear 49 which is, in turn, rotated by asecondary worm gear 50. Worm gear 50 is secured to shaft 51. Pick wheel52, which is also fixed to shaft 51, is positioned to be picked androtated in a clockwise direction by the ratchet pawl 53. Pawl 54 ispositioned adjacent to pick wheel 52 to prevent counterclockwiserotation. The number of teeth which are picked is regulated by limitingthe travel of ratchet arm 55 which is mounted for rotation on shaft 51by means of a fixed stop 56 and an adjustable stop 57 which arepositioned on housing 58. Weight 59, which is attached to ratchet arm55, is made adjustable by means of turn buckle 60 on cable 61. A spring62 is attached to ratchet arm 55 by pin 63 and to arm member 30 by pin64. The operation of the apparatus will now be described.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in operation an oscillatory motion is impartedto chain 21 as heart-shaped cam 24 is rotated. As follower plate 28 andarm members 29 and 3t? are pulled in a clockwise direction by chain 21,cross shaft 31 is rotated in a like manner, causing roller 46 to movedownwardly, thereby permitting lifter rod 19 and guide rail 17 to movedownwardly. As the clockwise motion continues, ratchet arm 55 will movein a counterclockwise direction under tension of spring 62, and will bearrested when it comes into contact with the fixed stop 56 on housing58. When the high point of primary cam 24 is reached, the direction ofrotation is reversed with the guide rail return spring 65 on rai returnarm 66 causing follower 25 to follow along the surface of primary cam24-.

As the counterclockwise rotation begins, weight 59 which is resting onsupport 67 restrains ratchet arm 55 from rotating. Pick wheel 52 ispicked by ratchet pawl 53 and is rotated in a clockwise direction. Theweight 59 is sufficient to overcome the force of spring 62 in additionto the force required to rotate pick wheel 52 which rotates worm gear 41through gears 49 and 50. Worm gear 41, acting on the teeth of segmentgear 42, rotates arm 29 in a clockwise direction. As arm 29 is rotated,cam roller 36 is forced upward in cam slot 33. The upward motion istransmitted by cam rollers Sou-36 and 37-37 to follower plate 28 whichis, in turn, moved away from cross shaft 31. Thus the effective lengthof the radius arm is increased. Accordingly the amount of rotation ofcross shaft 31 per revolution of cam 24 is reduced, and the length oftravel of guide rail 17 is likewise reduced.

Ratchet pawl 53 continues to rotate pick wheel 52 until ratchet arm 55comes in contact with adjustable stop 57. At this point, weight 59 islifted from support 67. The counterclockwise rotation of cross shaft 31continues until the low point on cam 24 is reached. The direction ofrotation then reverses. When weight 59 comes to rest on support 67,ratchet arm 55 begins its return toward fixed stop 56 under tension ofspring 62, setting the stepping device for the next cycle.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the position of follower plate 28 and armmembers 29 and 3% is such that the effective length of the radius arm isat a maximum. This is also the point at which rotation of cross shaft 31will be at a minimum. When this point is reached in the winding of ayarn package, a stop alarm system may be actuated to indicate that afull package has been obtained. After removal of the full package, thelength of the radius arm may be reduced to the minimum for the windingof other packages by disengaging pawls 53 and 54, and rotating pickwheel 52 in a counterclockwise direction. Suitable means may beconnected with the alarm system previously mentioned to automaticallyreset the radius arm when the package is completed. Alternatively, theradius arm may be reset by manually attaching a crank to shaft 51.

Certain adjustments can be readily effected when using the apparatus ofthis invention to provide the most efficient operation. By setting theadjustable pick stop 57 and adjusting the cable 61 on weight 59 forproper return to support '67 when cross shaft 31 is at the point ofmaximum clockwise rotation, weight 59 will be lifted a minimum amount.By using pick wheels having different numbers of teeth, the taper angleof the package may be changed. This adjustment is necessary for fineadjustments with various denier yarns.

In selecting the components for the apparatus of this invention, guiderail return spring 65 must be selected to resist permanent set when itis extended and must be strong enough to return guide rail 17 to itsupper position. Spring 62 must be selected to elongate without permanentset and return ratchet arm 55 to its fixed stop position. The worm gears41 and 50 should be adjustable to keep backlash to a minimum.

By using the apparatus of this invention, a number of desirable yarnpackages are obtained. Using a heartshaped cam, a package of the typeshown in FIG. 4 is obtained. With the adjustable radius arm set at itsminimum effective length, the length of stroke of the guide rail 17 willbe at a maximum when winding is first started on bobbin 18. During theupward stroke of each cycle through the action of the cam followerrollers, the follower plate 28 will be moved away from the cross shaft,thus decreasing the effective length of stroke in cyclic fashion asillustrated in FIG. 4a. In the package illustrated in FIG. 4, there isno overlapping of the end yarn on the tapered portion of the package,thus the yarn may be readily removed for use under uniform tensionwithout tangling. By changing the contours of the camming surface in thearm members and the primary cam, variations in package contour can beobtained.

A particularly desirable yarn package is shown in FIG. 5. This packageis produced by utilizing a primary cam having a contour to permit guiderail 17 to travel at a progressively decreasing speed as it travels downthe package, reaching the slowest speed at the bottom of the stroke. Thelength of stroke is varied incrementally as illustrated in FIG. 5a. Witha package of the type shown in FIG. 5, the yarn is never taken olf atthe bottom taper and is always removed in the direction of a smallerdiameter.

By changing the direction of rotation of the worm gears a stilldifferent type of yarn package, known as an expanding wind package, maybe obtained. Other adjustments will be obvious to those skilled in theart.

As many widely different embodiments of this invention may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. An adjustable radius arm comprising two arm members on a shaft, eachmember having an elongated cam slot therein, one of said members beingfixed to said shaft and the other being mounted for rotation thereon, afollower plate having cam rollers riding in said cam slots to provide amovable coupling between said arm members, oscillatory motion meansconnected to said follower plate, and means interconnected with saidoscillatory motion means normally locking said arm members together,which means includes a stepping device for cyclically rotating saidrotatable member relative to said fixed member in predeterminedincrements thereby moving said follower plate toward or away from saidshaft by moving said cam rollers in said slots.

2. In a yarn winding apparatus having a rotatable spindle, a guide rail,a primary cam and an adjustable radius arm mounted for oscillatorymotion on a shaft between said primary cam and said guide rail, saidprimary cam and said radius arm being interconnected by a first linkagefor imparting rotational movement to said shaft through said radius arm,said shaft and said guide rail being interconnected by a second linkagefor imparting to said guide rail a vertical reciprocating motion withrelation to said spindle, said radius arm comprising two arm members,each of said members having an elongated cam slot therein, one of saidmembers being fixed to said shaft and the other being mounted forrotation thereon, a follower plate having cam rollers riding in said camslots to provide a movable coupling between said arm members, and meansnormally locking said arm members together, which means includes astepping device for cyclically rotating said rotatable arm memberrelative to said fixed arm member in predetermined increments therebymoving said follower plate toward or away from said shaft by moving saidcam rollers in said cam slots.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said stepping device comprises asegment gear on said rotatable arm memher, a worm gear on said fixed armmember for driving said segment gear, and ratchet means for driving saidworm gear.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSHendrickson Dec. 18, 1934 Edfors Sept. 15, 1942 Hivick et al Dec. 12,1944 FOREIGN PATENTS

